"Shifting Sands" The Fort Fisher Hermit Story

A look into the interesting life, and controversial death of the Fort Fisher Hermit.
Describes the life of the Fort Fisher Hermit, Robert Harrill, as told by the people who knew him. Despite his homelessness and schizophrenia, Harrill becomes a local celebrity and tourist attraction as he ekes out an existence in an abandoned World War II bunker at Fort Fisher in North Carolina.
Blue Ribbon Pictures
Copyright 2002
Produced By:
Terry Eacret
Derek Patton
Bryan Baxley
Edited By:
Brandon Dumlao
Original Music By:
Judy Duva

[@teresapflaumer5717]

Today June 4 2022 is the 50th anniversary of Robert Harrill's death. I have been reading about him and I find him to be quite fascinating. I feel mad that he was "murdered" and justice was never served and I feel sad for his untimely death and his family who could not witness justice. Let us remember this kind and wonderful man and learn from his "School of Common Sense". RIP Mr. Harrill. ❤

[@bryanbaxley9998]

Thank you for your interest and comments.

[@spencerthegolfer7857]

Beautiful documentary

[@bryanbaxley9998]

Thank you for watching and your nice comment.

[@geod3589]

I went to Ft. Fisher around 1965 maybe, we walked down to the bunker in which he lived. He was real friendly and while we were there, someone was bringing water to him. It looked like dirty water to me but he was glad to get it. We didn't stay long and that was the only time I went there.

[@jasonmunsey246]

My younger brother discovered the hermit. It led him to seeing 44 states and 5 different countries on a freight train. The wisdom he learned was things i could have never taught him. Quite a bit you can learn from people who lived free.

[@mutmutt8294]

Who did the penny loafer they found belong too? Only the elite wore them back then . The villains could still be alive. So sad 😞

[@grannyof2]

I'd never heard of The Hermit, as I live in the Midwest, but came across this video and now I have to find more information. This was a very interesting documentary; I could have watched for much longer. So sad to hear of the way he passed and zero justice. Many thanks to all who put this out here for others to learn from.

[@bryanbaxley9998]

Thank you so much for watching our documentary and for your kind comments. It is a sad ending to such a good human being. Thanks again.

[@ncwarrior62]

Love the Hermit story first heard of him around 2000 from a local Ms Kelly Mayorga. Wonderful Lady. The hermit lived his life of freedom it’s a shame that he was killed. Thank You for sharing!How can I contact the society and purchase tshirts etc???

[@bryanbaxley9998]

Thanks for viewing our documentary. If you Google “Hermit Society” you will find t-shirts and other merchandise to purchase.

[@getthegaff1]

My uncle and I went to see the Hermit in 1969. He was a very interesting person. I remember throwing some change in his pan. The only thing is that it seems like that is was not a frying pan , it was a large aluminum tin. Pretty neat . I was in the USAF from 70 until 74, and it was years after that I found out he had been murdered. It was still very sad to me.

[@Gatorgirl89]

Any progress on who dragged him around? Cool old dude…live and let live!

[@bryanbaxley9998]

Unfortunately no. Only speculations.

[@m.goodpickle9609]

Bryan, thanks for posting. This is the 50th anniversary of Robert Harrill's death, and there's suppose to be an article that Fred Pickler and I assested with. RIP Edward and Vergie Harrill, and Gaile Welker. I hope you are well! M. E.

[@bryanbaxley9998]

I am well thank you. Hope this story lives on for generations. Take care.

[@ericasadler6195]

Amazing, I am so fascinated with Mr.Harrill

[@shanehester5317]

the fact that so many people liked and wanted to see him showed the true spirit of humanity.

[@georgeeverette3912]

Maybe one of the punks who caused his death will one day confess and save their soul before they die.

[@bryanbaxley9998]

It is rumored that they were children of influential people in the town and now they are influential people in the town.

[@foresttemple1380]

It's a Civil war bunker.

[@m.goodpickle9609]

It was built in the 1940's, when an extension of Camp Davis was there as an anti-aircraft training site during WW II. The bunker was thought to be an ammunition storage facility.